FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1: What is TUM Asia?

TUM Asia is the first and only overseas branch campus of the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM, Technical University of Munich). TUM Asia was set up in 2002, after accepting the invitation of the Singapore government to start a campus in Asia. TUM Asia is the first German academic venture abroad and has over a decade of experience in providing top-class German education in Singapore.

TUM Asia partners with top universities in Singapore to offer standalone and joint Master and Bachelor programmes. We collaborate with National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for four joint Master of Science programmes and we partner with Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to offer TUM’s Bachelor of Science programmes. These programmes are designed to groom the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

TUM Asia is recognized by the Ministry of Education Singapore as an Institute of Higher Learning and is registered with the Council of Private Education in Singapore (CPE Registration number: 200105229R, Registration period 13/06/2011 – 12/06/2017).

Q2: What is TUM?

Technische Universität München (TUM) was founded in 1868 by King Ludwig II. TUM has long established itself as a premier institute of higher learning in Germany.

Ranked as “Germany’s #1 University” in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Shanghai Ranking (ARWU), TUM has maintained its reputation of being a provider of excellent academic education.

To date, TUM has seen a total of 13 Nobel Prize laureates come through its ranks, including distinguished chemists and physicists such as Ernst Otto Fischer, Carl von Linde, Rudolf Diesel and Rudolf Mӧβbauer.

Q3: Is TUM Asia a recognized institution by the Ministry of Education in Singapore?

Yes, TUM Asia is recognized by the Ministry of Education Singapore as an Institute of Higher Learning and is registered with the Council of Private Education in Singapore.

Q1: Are the Bachelor & Master Programmes at TUM Asia conducted in English or German?

The programmes are conducted solely in English. Knowledge of the German language is not necessary for enrolled students.

Q2: Do I need to speak German?

No. English is the language of instruction for both Bachelor and Master programmes. However, knowing basic conversational German might help the Bachelor students when they go to Munich, Germany to complete their Bachelor’s Thesis.

Q3: Who are the professors teaching the course? Are they from Germany?

Most of your professors will be from TUM, Germany itself. As for the joint degrees, there will be modules taught by professors from the partner university as well.

Q4: Will it affect my grades if I skip classes?

Students will have to sign off their attendance for classes. We do not encourage students to intentionally skip classes as it may be detrimental to their learning process.

Q5: Where is your campus?

We have one campus situated in Singapore Polytechnic Our operating hours are from 9am – 6pm, from Monday to Friday, and we are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Q6: Where are classes held?

For Bachelor programmes:
The classes and laboratory sessions will be held at our campus in the SIT@SP building. Some lab sessions will take place at TUM CREATE or in other facilities at Singapore Polytechnic or SIT.

For joint Master programmes:
Classes will be conducted in either SIT@SP building or at NTU/NUS; All laboratory classes will be conducted in at NTU and/or NUS.

For pure TUM Master programmes:
The classes will be held at the SIT@SP building.

Q1: Will TUM Asia help international students look for accommodation in Singapore/Germany?

All international students are advised to look for accommodation on their own, regardless of whether in Singapore or in Germany (for Bachelor/Master Thesis work).

The Academic Services Department will distribute a list of housing agents/hostels during the pre-matriculation process for the international students who are enrolled in our Master programmes, prior to their arrival in Singapore. However, TUM Asia is not liable for any transactions made between the student and the agent.

Q2: Can international students work part-time in Singapore?

In line with the Ministry of Manpower’s requirements, international students who are matriculated with any of listed Institute of Higher Learning (including TUM Asia) with a valid student pass are allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours per week.

However, TUM Asia would like to strongly remind students that they should not rely on part-time work in Singapore as the financial source to their studies as the Bachelor/Master programmes are intensive in nature – and they should attempt to concentrate on their studies.

Q3: How much are living expenses in Singapore?

Depending on your lifestyle, you should be able to live comfortably with a range of S$1,000 – S$1,500 per month. This is only an estimate and the actual figures vary with each individual.

Q1: What types of internships are available? Will it be done in Singapore or in Germany?

The recognition of the TUM degree allows the student to seek internship opportunities anywhere in the world. Students are allowed to conduct their internships with either a university/research institution/company in Singapore, Germany or any other country. They can be involved in research work with their professor or practical experience at a company. This is up to the interest of the student as well as the opportunities that are offered to him/her.

Professors/Companies may pay the student a monthly stipend, according to the agreement with the student. TUM Asia is not be involved in the negotiation process and students are reminded to be prudent and honest about their decision to accept or reject the internship offer.

Q2: Does TUM Asia provide internships at companies/institutions for students?

No. There is no guarantee of placement in any company or institution for students.

Students are expected to look for suitable internship opportunities themselves. TUM Asia will assist the search and provide assistance when possible, but this is primarily the student’s responsibility. Students will be advised during the internship briefing on how to go about looking for internships and they should be clear about the type of internships they are interested in.

Students with Industrial Scholarships usually undergo their internship with their sponsor company.

Q3: Can students in the Master/Bachelor programmes request not to do the internship?

All Master students are required to fulfil the two month internship programme as it counts as a graduation requirement. However, an exemption of internship can be evaluated and justified on a case by case manner.

Bachelor students with articulated diplomas are not required to carry out an internship. However, students with non-articulated diplomas or with A-level qualifications will have to carry out an internship as part of the graduation requirements.

Q4: Are there any events organized by TUM Asia to create opportunities for students to meet the industry partners?

TUM Asia organizes a yearly Career & Internship Fair for students to meet the industry companies and to find out more about internship and/or employment opportunities. There are also many events, site visits, and seminars where TUM Asia students will get to mingle with the industry guests. TUM Asia also invites industry individuals with a wealth of experience to teach in modules, providing a strong practical basis to the theories learnt in the classroom. From the various experiences, students are able to get a strong grasp on the industry landscape and discover their passion early.

From these events, students will be able to network with the industry companies early in their studies and they will be able to make better decisions on their choice of internship & work in the future.

Q5: Does TUM Asia help the graduating students look for permanent jobs?

No. There is no guarantee of placement in companies for graduates. There is a possibility that the graduate’s internship company voluntarily offers the graduate a permanent placement but this is not controlled or dictated by TUM Asia.

Graduating students can look for permanent job positions once they have successfully completed their studies. If reference letters are required, the student can approach their professors accordingly.

Q6: Can I work with TUM Create for research opportunities, while enrolled with TUM Asia or other institutions?